Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Last NIght And The NIght Before":
Take away points from this post...
1. A delegate, no matter where they are from, asking for a fee waiver has no direct impact on budget discussions. It is even more horrendous if they have anything to do with St Kitts.
2. Effective councillors are created when they baffle the simpleton public with bulls**t rather than intellegence.
3. The Mayor and CAO are making decisions without the benefit of council discussion. hmmmm sound familiar?
4. No news is good news from an employee staff performance perspective. I guess if we hide in our shells and not hear about any problems, there cannot be any problems.
5. We are spending $10k on a provincial membership for the second year in a row. Where was our eagle-eye councillor to pick this up last year????? I think she has let us down, perhaps too busy with lawsuits and such.
6. Executive staff at the Town are paid in excess of $100k per year. This is too much if we have to pay the province another $10k to help them perform better - even if it is not immediately noticed.
I think this post is proof that at least one councillor is out of touch with the reality of living in 2011. I don't think we are in Kansas anymore Toto.
Larry Fyne......
**************************
If the poster was paying attention last year. he would be aware, this councillor did not support the 2011
Budget. The main focus being the half million dollars given away to the Culture Centre Board with no requirement to council for its spending.
$100,000 granted to the Arboretum group to spend as they determine, was a second substantial figure beside which all else pales in comparison.
The CAO has authority to make expenditures up to a certain figure well beyond $10,000. I believe the figure is closer to $50,000.
In the CAO's first year, we had $75,000, in the budget for "leadership training". And I believe a similar amount in the second year.
Those first two budgets were in the last term.
Stay tuned. More info to come from this year's budget.
Last year's budget was the first for this council, within weeks of election to office.
This year's story is not yet complete.
I am not hopeful.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Last NIght And The NIght Before
I didn't sleep much.The night before. it was contemplation of the mega-million dollar budget.
Last night, it was the after effect of a frustrating day of budget discussion A La Dawe et Garbe.
They are a team.
Morning started off with yet another presentation on behalf of the St Kitts Jazz Festival.
The delegate informed us she had met with The Mayor and CAO who assured her of their support and great value to the town of the Jazz Festival. The request was for waiver of user fees for town facilities to be included in the budget.
We probably spent half an hour of our tightly scheduled day on the issue.
No doubt the Mayor and CAO felt it was something to make council feel useful.
As an administrative process, it had nothing whatsoever to do with the budget.
After a relatively sleepless night, I bestirred this morning with the image of something learned early in my career dancing like a sugar plum in my head.
I watched a particularly glib veteran councillor converse with a resident and realised his effectiveness came, not from what he knew, but from what the other fellow didn't.
Jimmy could have said the sky was purple and the guy would have walked away thinking his eyesight had failed overnight.
People believe essentially what they want. Those in the know , don't have to be intelligent or well-informed or even possessed of integrity. Just sly enough to know when to take advantage but not always smart enough to know when there's a difference.
Willingness to believe without thinking is the grease that keeps economic engines smooth and slippery.
It allows town budgets to climb by the millions without any real effort at control.
The Occupy movement has yet to realise Wall Street predators and other scam artists are able to freely indulge their greed, because people with life savings are only too eager to share the spoils.They are gullible but willing partners .
Here's how the budget has gone so far. The CAO and half the directors made presentations of goals and objectives and outlined what they need to accomplish department objectives for 2012
Then the Mayor asked if there were any GENERAL, comments or questions of the directors. That portion concluded, discussion of particular items was invited.
A recommendation was prepared for us in two parts. first was to receive the presentation; second to approve the budget as is.
Most department budgets were approved as is. I asked for the clauses to be voted on separately. But it's hard to keep track of how the votes went.
I understand the session was taped. I think it could be and should be.shown on the town's web site.
Certainly Councillor Gallo doesn't think he has had his last opportunity to make a difference.
I think that's what's intended.
In 2011, it was agreed to put $50,000 extra in council's budget for a curator capable of organising a museum and providing guidance and leadership to volunteers. The Director of Leisure Services was directed to report on terms of reference for the position The report is ready to be presented.
Yesterday the funds were dropped from the 2012 budget.
The CAO and the Mayor have held meetings with the Historical Society's business manager. Reference was made to the question of ownership of the museum collection. Subsequently, despite a public debate and a vote of council in support of the direction, the money was removed from the budget and the project effectively discarded.
No concern was expressed by council about the new direction decided by the Mayor and CAO.
The CAO's department budget came forward. An item referring to a program from an Institute for Excellence.
I asked about that. Turns out to be something bearing the imprimatur of the Lieutenant Governor. Membership is $10,000. It's the town's second year of membership which means we shall have spent $20,000 of town revenues.
Membership.provides individuals to come to the town hall to train staff to function better.
No previous reports indicated they were not functioning well.
Awards are presented upon completion. We got one of the thingies last year. A dignitary we never heard of came to Council-in-Committee and made the presentation. It wasn't done on camera. That's why you didn't notice.
I asked if the taxpayers would see direct benefit from the program. The CAO said no but in the long run , they would receive better service.
It's not how I see it. The institute, like many others, has likely been created to create jobs for friends of people in positions of sufficient influence to be able to pull that kind of mullarkey. Quite possibly campaign workers or contributors or the children of such, graduates from universities unable to find employment.
In small town Aurora, the Executive Leadership Team , less the Mayor, are among one per cent of Canadians who possess all the wealth in the country.
We hire staff and pay them commensurate with the skills they need for the job.They are not poorly paid.
Benefits are humungous. Worth as much as annual earnings for some people.
Twice as much as income of a pensioner eligible for the guaranteed annual income supplement.
Value of the benefits increased again this year by more than a Canada pension increase of several years.
I expect staff to be capable of doing the job they were hired to do. If not, the guy who does the hiring isn't.
At the salaries we pay directors, I expect them to have all the skills of a so- called trainers of excellence.
Willy-nilly awards in the name of the governor -general to whatever sucker municipality willing to hand over $10,000 for annual membership do not excite me.
That's you and me folks. Courtesy of your elected council.
I failed to have the item removed from the budget.
Last night, it was the after effect of a frustrating day of budget discussion A La Dawe et Garbe.
They are a team.
Morning started off with yet another presentation on behalf of the St Kitts Jazz Festival.
The delegate informed us she had met with The Mayor and CAO who assured her of their support and great value to the town of the Jazz Festival. The request was for waiver of user fees for town facilities to be included in the budget.
We probably spent half an hour of our tightly scheduled day on the issue.
No doubt the Mayor and CAO felt it was something to make council feel useful.
As an administrative process, it had nothing whatsoever to do with the budget.
After a relatively sleepless night, I bestirred this morning with the image of something learned early in my career dancing like a sugar plum in my head.
I watched a particularly glib veteran councillor converse with a resident and realised his effectiveness came, not from what he knew, but from what the other fellow didn't.
Jimmy could have said the sky was purple and the guy would have walked away thinking his eyesight had failed overnight.
People believe essentially what they want. Those in the know , don't have to be intelligent or well-informed or even possessed of integrity. Just sly enough to know when to take advantage but not always smart enough to know when there's a difference.
Willingness to believe without thinking is the grease that keeps economic engines smooth and slippery.
It allows town budgets to climb by the millions without any real effort at control.
The Occupy movement has yet to realise Wall Street predators and other scam artists are able to freely indulge their greed, because people with life savings are only too eager to share the spoils.They are gullible but willing partners .
Here's how the budget has gone so far. The CAO and half the directors made presentations of goals and objectives and outlined what they need to accomplish department objectives for 2012
Then the Mayor asked if there were any GENERAL, comments or questions of the directors. That portion concluded, discussion of particular items was invited.
A recommendation was prepared for us in two parts. first was to receive the presentation; second to approve the budget as is.
Most department budgets were approved as is. I asked for the clauses to be voted on separately. But it's hard to keep track of how the votes went.
I understand the session was taped. I think it could be and should be.shown on the town's web site.
Certainly Councillor Gallo doesn't think he has had his last opportunity to make a difference.
I think that's what's intended.
In 2011, it was agreed to put $50,000 extra in council's budget for a curator capable of organising a museum and providing guidance and leadership to volunteers. The Director of Leisure Services was directed to report on terms of reference for the position The report is ready to be presented.
Yesterday the funds were dropped from the 2012 budget.
The CAO and the Mayor have held meetings with the Historical Society's business manager. Reference was made to the question of ownership of the museum collection. Subsequently, despite a public debate and a vote of council in support of the direction, the money was removed from the budget and the project effectively discarded.
No concern was expressed by council about the new direction decided by the Mayor and CAO.
The CAO's department budget came forward. An item referring to a program from an Institute for Excellence.
I asked about that. Turns out to be something bearing the imprimatur of the Lieutenant Governor. Membership is $10,000. It's the town's second year of membership which means we shall have spent $20,000 of town revenues.
Membership.provides individuals to come to the town hall to train staff to function better.
No previous reports indicated they were not functioning well.
Awards are presented upon completion. We got one of the thingies last year. A dignitary we never heard of came to Council-in-Committee and made the presentation. It wasn't done on camera. That's why you didn't notice.
I asked if the taxpayers would see direct benefit from the program. The CAO said no but in the long run , they would receive better service.
It's not how I see it. The institute, like many others, has likely been created to create jobs for friends of people in positions of sufficient influence to be able to pull that kind of mullarkey. Quite possibly campaign workers or contributors or the children of such, graduates from universities unable to find employment.
In small town Aurora, the Executive Leadership Team , less the Mayor, are among one per cent of Canadians who possess all the wealth in the country.
We hire staff and pay them commensurate with the skills they need for the job.They are not poorly paid.
Benefits are humungous. Worth as much as annual earnings for some people.
Twice as much as income of a pensioner eligible for the guaranteed annual income supplement.
Value of the benefits increased again this year by more than a Canada pension increase of several years.
I expect staff to be capable of doing the job they were hired to do. If not, the guy who does the hiring isn't.
At the salaries we pay directors, I expect them to have all the skills of a so- called trainers of excellence.
Willy-nilly awards in the name of the governor -general to whatever sucker municipality willing to hand over $10,000 for annual membership do not excite me.
That's you and me folks. Courtesy of your elected council.
I failed to have the item removed from the budget.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
A Lively Exchange
Nineteen comments made to the posts about the Church Street School. That's a record. By far the majority in favour of re-working the agreement.
I am inclined to scrap it.
The initial rationale for management of the facility came from a former treasurer, He had experience with a historical building in Cobourg. On the town's main street it was constructed when municipalities vied for the chance to become the Capital of Upper Canada.A hundred and fifty years ago.
Holland Landing was in the running.
Cobourg built a Parliament building to give them an edge.
A hundred years later, when it became clear they were not going to be the Capital, there were plans to demolish the building. It had served as a very grand town hall in the meantime. Cobourg was actually a Village.
An elderly woman of the community took it upon herself to mount a battle to save the building,won and was awarded the Canada Medal.
The annual conference of small urban municipalities was often held in Cobourg . A tour of the building was provided and it's champion introduced. It truly is a very fine historical artifact that never came to be.
Aurora's treasurer, for a couple of years, was involved in the restoration and operation plans for the Cobourg building.
To prevent it from becoming a sink hole for public resources, an arms length board was appointed. Seed money was provided and reduced each year.
The objective was to make the operation self-sufficient and separate from the political imperative.
When the consultant presented the business plan for Church Street School to council, start-up funds of $500.000. to be reduced by $100,000, each year were recommended. The operation would be self-sufficient in five years .Funding would be $1.5 million in total.
The board would be required to operate as a business. They would seek sponsorships to contribute to the program.
An Ad Hoc Arts and Culture Committee had been appointed. Councillors Gaertner and Granger were council's representatives. The former Mayor's friend Ken Whitehurst was a member.
Catherine Malloy, curator had been recently appointed by the Historical Society and served as staff resource person to the committee.
Ms Malloy successfully processed an application for a grant from Heritage Canada and $770,000 was received. It paid for the HVAC system and interior storm windows neccessary to provide suitable atmospheric conditions for the museum.
Subsequently, Ms Malloy left and accepted a position in a Markham museum.
Ken Whitehurst, a committee member, was temporarily appointed resource person to the committee with remuneration.
It's not clear who wrote the agreement in place and now being reviewed by the town solicitor. It's a fair bet there was no legal input and the treasurer with the experience was no longer with the town.
The principle of operational self-sufficiency apparently got lost along the way.
The museum was interpreted right out the door.
And the facility has become exactly the sink hole of public resources originally feared.
There is no justification for that to continue.
The community's interest is not served.
I am inclined to scrap it.
The initial rationale for management of the facility came from a former treasurer, He had experience with a historical building in Cobourg. On the town's main street it was constructed when municipalities vied for the chance to become the Capital of Upper Canada.A hundred and fifty years ago.
Holland Landing was in the running.
Cobourg built a Parliament building to give them an edge.
A hundred years later, when it became clear they were not going to be the Capital, there were plans to demolish the building. It had served as a very grand town hall in the meantime. Cobourg was actually a Village.
An elderly woman of the community took it upon herself to mount a battle to save the building,won and was awarded the Canada Medal.
The annual conference of small urban municipalities was often held in Cobourg . A tour of the building was provided and it's champion introduced. It truly is a very fine historical artifact that never came to be.
Aurora's treasurer, for a couple of years, was involved in the restoration and operation plans for the Cobourg building.
To prevent it from becoming a sink hole for public resources, an arms length board was appointed. Seed money was provided and reduced each year.
The objective was to make the operation self-sufficient and separate from the political imperative.
When the consultant presented the business plan for Church Street School to council, start-up funds of $500.000. to be reduced by $100,000, each year were recommended. The operation would be self-sufficient in five years .Funding would be $1.5 million in total.
The board would be required to operate as a business. They would seek sponsorships to contribute to the program.
An Ad Hoc Arts and Culture Committee had been appointed. Councillors Gaertner and Granger were council's representatives. The former Mayor's friend Ken Whitehurst was a member.
Catherine Malloy, curator had been recently appointed by the Historical Society and served as staff resource person to the committee.
Ms Malloy successfully processed an application for a grant from Heritage Canada and $770,000 was received. It paid for the HVAC system and interior storm windows neccessary to provide suitable atmospheric conditions for the museum.
Subsequently, Ms Malloy left and accepted a position in a Markham museum.
Ken Whitehurst, a committee member, was temporarily appointed resource person to the committee with remuneration.
It's not clear who wrote the agreement in place and now being reviewed by the town solicitor. It's a fair bet there was no legal input and the treasurer with the experience was no longer with the town.
The principle of operational self-sufficiency apparently got lost along the way.
The museum was interpreted right out the door.
And the facility has become exactly the sink hole of public resources originally feared.
There is no justification for that to continue.
The community's interest is not served.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
It's Not Corruption, It's Stupidity You Have To Worry About.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
once again, when it comes to the Aurora Cultural Centre, you have no idea what you are talking about but nice job on spreading half truths and innuendo. thousands of visitors to the centre have found great joy in the programs , moving exhibits like the Faces of war put on by AHS last few weeks and just a great addition to our community. Week after week of negativity from you .........it's getting tiresome
**********
The above is posted to throw light on another facet of this problem.
I am a member of Aurora's Council, I have both responsibility and authority to ensure tax resources are managed wisely.
From time to time, maybe much of the time,my questions may rankle with people who expend town resources.
Tough noogies
My inquiry went to the town's CAO. Who referred it to the Centre's Executive Director.
A response came from the Centre Board Chair. Written for him by the Centre's Executive Director.
Quickly followed by a flurry of comments critical of myself, posted to my blog by the Centre's Small but Merry Band of Brave but Anonymouse Warrior Defenders.
It'll no dae, ye ken. What was done badly will be undone. I won't let go of it until it's fixed.
once again, when it comes to the Aurora Cultural Centre, you have no idea what you are talking about but nice job on spreading half truths and innuendo. thousands of visitors to the centre have found great joy in the programs , moving exhibits like the Faces of war put on by AHS last few weeks and just a great addition to our community. Week after week of negativity from you .........it's getting tiresome
**********
The above is posted to throw light on another facet of this problem.
I am a member of Aurora's Council, I have both responsibility and authority to ensure tax resources are managed wisely.
From time to time, maybe much of the time,my questions may rankle with people who expend town resources.
Tough noogies
My inquiry went to the town's CAO. Who referred it to the Centre's Executive Director.
A response came from the Centre Board Chair. Written for him by the Centre's Executive Director.
Quickly followed by a flurry of comments critical of myself, posted to my blog by the Centre's Small but Merry Band of Brave but Anonymouse Warrior Defenders.
It'll no dae, ye ken. What was done badly will be undone. I won't let go of it until it's fixed.
Another Piece Of The Puzzle
Last term ,I voted against the re-organisation study and its recommendations.
I've seen nothing since to persuade me I was wrong.
I find things that convince me the plan was as bad as I thought it was.
Responsibilities were shifted between departments. Management of facilities was transferred to the domain of Infrastucture and Environmental services from Leisure Services .
Leisure Services provides the programs within the facilities. Half the department's responsibility was managing and maintaining the space needed for the variety of programs provided by the department
It takes skill. It takes experience.
A clause in the Culture Centre Agreement requires the town to approve lease agreements for space within the centre.
The first decision made by the Centre board was to lease space intended for the museum to the York Region Arts something or other. Request for approval went to Environment and Infrastructure. They gave it.
Why wouldn't they? What would they know ? Management of facilities to provide for needs of groups requiring space for different programs was not a skill they possessed.
In the "re-org" they got the manager of facility maintenance. Management of space stayed with Leisure Services.
Ergo...chaos and confusion.
I've seen nothing since to persuade me I was wrong.
I find things that convince me the plan was as bad as I thought it was.
Responsibilities were shifted between departments. Management of facilities was transferred to the domain of Infrastucture and Environmental services from Leisure Services .
Leisure Services provides the programs within the facilities. Half the department's responsibility was managing and maintaining the space needed for the variety of programs provided by the department
It takes skill. It takes experience.
A clause in the Culture Centre Agreement requires the town to approve lease agreements for space within the centre.
The first decision made by the Centre board was to lease space intended for the museum to the York Region Arts something or other. Request for approval went to Environment and Infrastructure. They gave it.
Why wouldn't they? What would they know ? Management of facilities to provide for needs of groups requiring space for different programs was not a skill they possessed.
In the "re-org" they got the manager of facility maintenance. Management of space stayed with Leisure Services.
Ergo...chaos and confusion.
A Piss Poor Agreement
At times it seems I am losing whatever basic skills I have acquired. This post is a follow- on to the previous post. The post below filled the window and I couldn't move down further with the rest of what I had to say.
Council directed the solicitor a few weeks ago to review the Culture Centre Agreement, its pros and cons, and report back on how it serves the community's interest.
The Mayor had a bit of a problem with that. Said he was aware of the solicitor's heavy workload.
The solicitor said he understood the request and would be able to report in a month.
It happened in a public meeting so I am not telling tales out of school.
We haven't heard yet
I think it's a piss poor agreement. Subject to all kinds of interpretation. It should be an embarrassment to all.
The Historical Society's former curator informed me, the reason given for no space provided for a museum was because a museum doesn't bring in any revenue.
We regularly see events such as sing-alongs promoted admission free. Held on week-day afternoons, they were previously entertainment for the seniors in their own facility, designed for such events.
So ...what's up with that.
Seniors pay membership to belong to the club. The greater part of the fee is paid to the town.The service to seniors is not free.
In return, the town provides a beautiful facility plus maintenance and staff on hand to program events.
When events such as sing-alongs are held, the group providing the entertainment are compensated. Naturally. Seniors pay an admission fee to cover the cost. Seniors have an executive who manage the business affairs of the club.
At the Church Street School, the entertainment is free while costs are absorbed.
I don't know if that's why events,once held at the seniors' centre, are now held at the Church Street School.
Obviously, if sing-alongs were not being held at the school, nothing else would be at the time. Equally obvious, if they are not being held at the Seniors centre ,that facility is not being used for the purpose intended. And, if the expense of a sing-along is not met by revenue from admissions, it's met by funds provided by the town from tax revenues.
How does that represent sound financial management of town affairs?
I don't need a solicitor to advise the community's interest is not served by maintaining an agreement for a further three years with an expenditure of one and a half million dollars funded by the town's hard-pressed residential and business taxpayers with no accountability whatsoever.
I will move the item be removed from the town's budget. I will not vote to continue funnelling more than half a million dollars of tax revenues a year and free space to an organisation with no responsibility or accountability to the taxpayer.
Piss poor agreement or not.
Council directed the solicitor a few weeks ago to review the Culture Centre Agreement, its pros and cons, and report back on how it serves the community's interest.
The Mayor had a bit of a problem with that. Said he was aware of the solicitor's heavy workload.
The solicitor said he understood the request and would be able to report in a month.
It happened in a public meeting so I am not telling tales out of school.
We haven't heard yet
I think it's a piss poor agreement. Subject to all kinds of interpretation. It should be an embarrassment to all.
The Historical Society's former curator informed me, the reason given for no space provided for a museum was because a museum doesn't bring in any revenue.
We regularly see events such as sing-alongs promoted admission free. Held on week-day afternoons, they were previously entertainment for the seniors in their own facility, designed for such events.
So ...what's up with that.
Seniors pay membership to belong to the club. The greater part of the fee is paid to the town.The service to seniors is not free.
In return, the town provides a beautiful facility plus maintenance and staff on hand to program events.
When events such as sing-alongs are held, the group providing the entertainment are compensated. Naturally. Seniors pay an admission fee to cover the cost. Seniors have an executive who manage the business affairs of the club.
At the Church Street School, the entertainment is free while costs are absorbed.
I don't know if that's why events,once held at the seniors' centre, are now held at the Church Street School.
Obviously, if sing-alongs were not being held at the school, nothing else would be at the time. Equally obvious, if they are not being held at the Seniors centre ,that facility is not being used for the purpose intended. And, if the expense of a sing-along is not met by revenue from admissions, it's met by funds provided by the town from tax revenues.
How does that represent sound financial management of town affairs?
I don't need a solicitor to advise the community's interest is not served by maintaining an agreement for a further three years with an expenditure of one and a half million dollars funded by the town's hard-pressed residential and business taxpayers with no accountability whatsoever.
I will move the item be removed from the town's budget. I will not vote to continue funnelling more than half a million dollars of tax revenues a year and free space to an organisation with no responsibility or accountability to the taxpayer.
Piss poor agreement or not.
The Pesky Agreement
I forwarded the latest promotion from the Cultural Centre to the CAO , asking to be informed of how using the facility for sales of products fit into terms of reference for the operation. My request was forwarded. I received the response below later in the day.
Hullo.....
The 'Starry, Starry Night' event, is more correctly described as a fund raising event.
Fundraising by the Church Street School Cultural Centre is explicitly stipulated in our Cultural Services Agreement (paragraph 11.4) and implicitly through the stipulation in paragraph 2 that we function in accordance with Strategic Study which also mentions fundraising. Regards,
Rob Layton
for the Church Street School Cultural Centre
On Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 12:01 PM, Laura Schembri <lauraschembri@auroraculturalcentre.ca> wrote
Hullo.....
The 'Starry, Starry Night' event, is more correctly described as a fund raising event.
Fundraising by the Church Street School Cultural Centre is explicitly stipulated in our Cultural Services Agreement (paragraph 11.4) and implicitly through the stipulation in paragraph 2 that we function in accordance with Strategic Study which also mentions fundraising. Regards,
Rob Layton
for the Church Street School Cultural Centre
On Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 12:01 PM, Laura Schembri <lauraschembri@auroraculturalcentre.ca> wrote
Friday, 25 November 2011
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What's Wrong With This Picture":
Simply say NO to the begging bums.
They should try another town.
Simply say NO to the begging bums.
They should try another town.
What's Wrong With This Picture
The one in the post below. I think there's a way of shrinking a picture to fit into a space. I just don't know how.
The picture is a promotion for a silent auction being held at the Church Street School building. Items you see in the picture are available for sale to the highest bidder.
Proceeds of the sale will "contribute" to programs provided at the centre. It doesn't say by what percentage.
The items can be seen at the" show" at the centre on six afternoon a week from one to four.
The town's logo is in place at the bottom of the promotion. The centre gratefully acknowledges funding from the town.
The town provides a building worth several million dollars, rent-free to an arm's length Board. We also provide maintenance services and utilities free of the cost to the tune of $150,000.
Last year the town provided funds in the amount of $347,000 to spend as the board saw fit.
No accountability for any of it.
Space in the building is rented out to another organisation. More revenue without accountability.
Various programs previously provided in other locations within the community are now provided at the school facility on an admission "free" basis.
Now the facility is being used to sell, what appear to be gifts, in time for the gift-giving season, to raise even more revenue. For which they are not accountable.
I have asked town staff to provide an explanation of how the latest enterprise fits in with the terms of reference for this operation.
For the sake of comparison, .the town's operation budget for other leisure facilities this year was $5 million. Revenue from the same was $5 million.
To-night, members of the Aurora Optimist Service Club are gathering at the library to organise new and nearly new books, for their annual book sale. Which happens tomorrow.
There's a Childrens room at the library funded by the Optimists. Proceeds from the annual book sale contribute to annual service provided.
At Tuesday's Council meeting, the Mayor presented awards to three local businesses which , over and above contributing to the town's assessment base and providing jobs in the community, also pay for the summer concerts enjoyed by thousands of residents in the park with no admission charged.
the concerts are not funded from the town treasury.
This year, the Aurora Rotary Club contributed the first of three payments of $5,000. for improvements to Rotary Park.Rotary club members work hard to raise the funds.
What's wrong with this picture?
Local businesses and service clubs dig into their pockets and contribute to the social and cultural well-being of the community. They operate businesses and provide jobs and pay taxes in good times and bad and still they go above and beyond.
Then we have others, who hold their hands out, demand payments from tax resources and enter into competition with the very businesses and clubs that keep on giving.
It ain't right, y'know. There's nothing about it that makes any sense.
The picture is a promotion for a silent auction being held at the Church Street School building. Items you see in the picture are available for sale to the highest bidder.
Proceeds of the sale will "contribute" to programs provided at the centre. It doesn't say by what percentage.
The items can be seen at the" show" at the centre on six afternoon a week from one to four.
The town's logo is in place at the bottom of the promotion. The centre gratefully acknowledges funding from the town.
The town provides a building worth several million dollars, rent-free to an arm's length Board. We also provide maintenance services and utilities free of the cost to the tune of $150,000.
Last year the town provided funds in the amount of $347,000 to spend as the board saw fit.
No accountability for any of it.
Space in the building is rented out to another organisation. More revenue without accountability.
Various programs previously provided in other locations within the community are now provided at the school facility on an admission "free" basis.
Now the facility is being used to sell, what appear to be gifts, in time for the gift-giving season, to raise even more revenue. For which they are not accountable.
I have asked town staff to provide an explanation of how the latest enterprise fits in with the terms of reference for this operation.
For the sake of comparison, .the town's operation budget for other leisure facilities this year was $5 million. Revenue from the same was $5 million.
To-night, members of the Aurora Optimist Service Club are gathering at the library to organise new and nearly new books, for their annual book sale. Which happens tomorrow.
There's a Childrens room at the library funded by the Optimists. Proceeds from the annual book sale contribute to annual service provided.
At Tuesday's Council meeting, the Mayor presented awards to three local businesses which , over and above contributing to the town's assessment base and providing jobs in the community, also pay for the summer concerts enjoyed by thousands of residents in the park with no admission charged.
the concerts are not funded from the town treasury.
This year, the Aurora Rotary Club contributed the first of three payments of $5,000. for improvements to Rotary Park.Rotary club members work hard to raise the funds.
What's wrong with this picture?
Local businesses and service clubs dig into their pockets and contribute to the social and cultural well-being of the community. They operate businesses and provide jobs and pay taxes in good times and bad and still they go above and beyond.
Then we have others, who hold their hands out, demand payments from tax resources and enter into competition with the very businesses and clubs that keep on giving.
It ain't right, y'know. There's nothing about it that makes any sense.
Check This Out
Engaging & enriching the community through arts, culture and heritage
Aurora Cultural Centre Events |
 |
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Look At This
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Have a Great Day":
But you closed-mind mouth breathers are missing the point of the original question..
"What does Phyllis Morris have to do with this topic at all."
I think you can't see the forest for the trees here. this entire situation occured after the last election. Are you suggesting that Morris spends her time trying to bring this town down?*7
I refuse to believe such fabrications until you prove it to me with real facts.
***************
I have lost the thread of this discourse.Without trying to re-connect, I want to point out a couple of things:
" A closed mind mouth breather"conjures up a thoroughly unattractive image. Do you need that to make the point of your argument.
I no longer know which situation it is that occurred after the election.
I can tell you though,there's little point in asking anyone to explain the actions of the former Mayor; including the former Mayor.
This argument is over now.
But you closed-mind mouth breathers are missing the point of the original question..
"What does Phyllis Morris have to do with this topic at all."
I think you can't see the forest for the trees here. this entire situation occured after the last election. Are you suggesting that Morris spends her time trying to bring this town down?*7
I refuse to believe such fabrications until you prove it to me with real facts.
***************
I have lost the thread of this discourse.Without trying to re-connect, I want to point out a couple of things:
" A closed mind mouth breather"conjures up a thoroughly unattractive image. Do you need that to make the point of your argument.
I no longer know which situation it is that occurred after the election.
I can tell you though,there's little point in asking anyone to explain the actions of the former Mayor; including the former Mayor.
This argument is over now.
Continuum of Previous Post
Something is up with my keyboard. I may have fixed it. But I'm not exactly sure how.
I was saying:
The government made the decision during the election campaign to cancel construction of a gas fired power generation plant being built in Missausaga to replace the dirty coal-fired generation plant which Hazel made them promise to shut down during the previous election.
Questions were asked why construction did not actually stop.
People said; "What about the money already spent? "
Understandably so.
The answer, not provided, would have been problematic. Only now has construction stopped.
The process to arrive at a contract award and construction underway is lengthy and hugely expensive for all parties .
It can be stopped . But only by agreeing to pay. Oh My how we pay.
Quite possibly full cost of the contract. Whatever horrendous amount that might be.
Awarding a government contract is more than a friendly handshake. Engines crank into high gear which cannot be shut down.
Materials are not bought off the shelf. They have to be manufactured for the purpose.
Manpower has to be in place for the term of the contract.
Funds have to be secured pending government payments.
Everything swings into gear, at great expense, for governments plans to be realised.
Once the contract is signed and sealed both parties are obligated . No ifs ands or buts.
If the government changes its mind. The government pays.
A contractors with a legal contract for a mega million dollar project cannot be bankrupted because politicians conduct themselves like flibberty-gibbet teen-age divas driven by hormones during election campaigns, while going about with solemn countenance and inspiring hand gestures to instill confidence and trust among the people.
So..... When ......
I was saying:
The government made the decision during the election campaign to cancel construction of a gas fired power generation plant being built in Missausaga to replace the dirty coal-fired generation plant which Hazel made them promise to shut down during the previous election.
Questions were asked why construction did not actually stop.
People said; "What about the money already spent? "
Understandably so.
The answer, not provided, would have been problematic. Only now has construction stopped.
The process to arrive at a contract award and construction underway is lengthy and hugely expensive for all parties .
It can be stopped . But only by agreeing to pay. Oh My how we pay.
Quite possibly full cost of the contract. Whatever horrendous amount that might be.
Awarding a government contract is more than a friendly handshake. Engines crank into high gear which cannot be shut down.
Materials are not bought off the shelf. They have to be manufactured for the purpose.
Manpower has to be in place for the term of the contract.
Funds have to be secured pending government payments.
Everything swings into gear, at great expense, for governments plans to be realised.
Once the contract is signed and sealed both parties are obligated . No ifs ands or buts.
If the government changes its mind. The government pays.
A contractors with a legal contract for a mega million dollar project cannot be bankrupted because politicians conduct themselves like flibberty-gibbet teen-age divas driven by hormones during election campaigns, while going about with solemn countenance and inspiring hand gestures to instill confidence and trust among the people.
So..... When ......
The Minister Stated
there is a need, “to examine everything the government does, piece by piece, to find creative, efficient and effective ways to deliver public services.”
He was kidding....... right ..... Yeah right.
The Minister Stated
- The Minister stated there is a need, “to examine everything the government does, piece by piece, to find creative, efficient and effective ways to deliver public services.”
During the recent provincial election campaign AMO advanced a number of pragmatic, cost free proposals. Among them, the Premier has promised to work with municipalities to explore:
- Opportunities to collect up to $1 billion in unpaid Provincial Offences Act fines; and
- Reviewing joint and several liability which would help protect property taxpayers from rising insurance rates and excessive claims.
The Premier also said he would honour the existing social service and court security upload agreement of $1.5 billion by 2018 and:
- Protect Ontario’s municipal property tax base from any new downloaded costs;
- Create a permanent fund for municipal roads and bridges;
- Provide permanent Provincial Gas Tax revenue – of at least $318 million annually – for transit;
- Promote personal and producer responsibility within waste management systems;
- Ensuring that clear and fair energy policies support sound planning and investment in Ontario’s electricity system;
- Avoid caps on property assessment or taxation; and,
- Continue to consolidate housing programs that are supported by current or increased funding.
*****************
promote personal and producer responsibility within waste management systems:
It means the government will do a lot of talking about the merits of responsibility within waste management systems. It won't actually do anything. Though it might periodically send a reminder to municipalities depending on how many people they have sitting around in offices needing to occupy their minds and hands and justify their existence.
*****************
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario sends out communiques to members almost daily.The one above came through yesterday. Note the verbiage:
promote personal and producer responsibility within waste management systems:
It means the government will do a lot of talking about the merits of responsibility within waste management systems. It won't actually do anything. Though it might periodically send a reminder to municipalities depending on how many people they have sitting around in offices needing to occupy their minds and hands and justify their existence.
The reminder may in turn be re-interpreted and relayed to politicos as legislative requirements. Said politicos not knowing the difference between baffle gab and legislation might well embark on an $800,000 project to meet government requirements.
Ensuring that clear and fair energy policies support sound planning and investment in Ontario’s electricity system;
This one is precious. Just yesterday the government affirmed a decision made during the election campaign to stop construction on a gas-fired (clean-alternative to coal) hydro generation plant in Mississauga.
In the previous election, they committed to close down coal fired hydro generation plants in Mississauga. And they did
Odds And Sods
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Field Facility Is A No Go":
Evelyn,
Have the Mormac attacks tapered off or are you
culling them ? What happened to Anonymoose, Guy
Poppe, Prickly Pete and Young Progessive ? Are your
mornings quieter ?
***********
Since I have no idea who they are, I have no idea what,if anything,happened to them.I'm not culling
abusive comments much .. They have tapered off.
My mornings are not quieter. I have a cat and a dog and two budgerigars living with me for a while.
They have a lot to say for themselves.In budgerigar speak. Especially if I'm speaking on the phone.They seem to think they need to join in.and drown me out.
It's a good thing they're in a cage. I swear they would perch on the phone and chirp and cheep,full of sound and fury, into the voice end.
I went to a party last night. Couldn't stay. Had a planning meeting to attend.
My friend Ron Wallace is retiring. There was a great crowd there to wish him well. I just wish he wasn't retiring.
Evelyn,
Have the Mormac attacks tapered off or are you
culling them ? What happened to Anonymoose, Guy
Poppe, Prickly Pete and Young Progessive ? Are your
mornings quieter ?
***********
Since I have no idea who they are, I have no idea what,if anything,happened to them.I'm not culling
abusive comments much .. They have tapered off.
My mornings are not quieter. I have a cat and a dog and two budgerigars living with me for a while.
They have a lot to say for themselves.In budgerigar speak. Especially if I'm speaking on the phone.They seem to think they need to join in.and drown me out.
It's a good thing they're in a cage. I swear they would perch on the phone and chirp and cheep,full of sound and fury, into the voice end.
I went to a party last night. Couldn't stay. Had a planning meeting to attend.
My friend Ron Wallace is retiring. There was a great crowd there to wish him well. I just wish he wasn't retiring.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Have a Great Day
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Field Facility Is A No Go":
To anonymous at 11/22 @ 5:07pm...
Honestly, what does Morris have to do with this topic at all? This is the sort of childish comments that have led a number of good contributing posters away from this site and others like it.
It has been over a year since the election. Time to get over this.
*******************
My numbers do not affirm your contention. They continue to grow.
They are not huge but considering the subject of my political blog is pretty much confined to our town's affairs that's to be expected. I do not target a greater audience.
The election has indeed been over for a year. The former Mayor continues to draw attention to herself. Reaction in the community is not surprising in the circumstances.
The blog shapes itself to a considerable extent on what people are talking about. Nothing else gives us that opportunity. Nothing ever has before. I think it's grand..
Have a great day. It will not come again.
To anonymous at 11/22 @ 5:07pm...
Honestly, what does Morris have to do with this topic at all? This is the sort of childish comments that have led a number of good contributing posters away from this site and others like it.
It has been over a year since the election. Time to get over this.
*******************
My numbers do not affirm your contention. They continue to grow.
They are not huge but considering the subject of my political blog is pretty much confined to our town's affairs that's to be expected. I do not target a greater audience.
The election has indeed been over for a year. The former Mayor continues to draw attention to herself. Reaction in the community is not surprising in the circumstances.
The blog shapes itself to a considerable extent on what people are talking about. Nothing else gives us that opportunity. Nothing ever has before. I think it's grand..
Have a great day. It will not come again.
Simplicity Is The Key
Rules of order should be the essence of simplicity.
We passed the Procedure Bylaw last night after several lengthy discussions.The rules are part of the Bylaw.
Last evening we spent more time discussing whether the Bylaw should be deferred than any other item on the agenda.
Rules of order don't relate to anyone or anything else in the community except councillors.
They are about preserving civility; ensuring every councillor has equal opportunity for input, without interruption or prohibition because of time. .
They are about respect for the office we hold. The need to deal with town business in efficient and timely manner
They do not exist for their sake alone.
No more than the chairs we use; the desk; or microphones that permit voices to be heard.
We perform in public. Hopefully, the community attends, With cable television, the opportunity presents.
How we do it. should not distract from decisions being made.
At the same time, debate should not be so calm, smooth and efficient as to be tedious, boring, stuffy, bombastic and compleat with the importance of being earnest.
It is our role to make decisions. Nine people participate There are obvious risks..
Unanimous agreement is not essential. It's not even generally desirable.
A majority is not necessarily the right decision. It doesn't have to be. .
Democracy is the right to be wrong.
If consequences are to be suffered and the Good Lord Knows we have had consequences, it's best the majority is responsible. .
So, last night we passed the new rules. .
Not for the purpose of catching each other in error, poking each other with a pointy stick,harassing or embarrassing each other .
The purpose is to work together under a set of rules that serve.
Several clauses I think will interfere with that objective.
But they are not chiselled in stone. The book is not closed. If we experience difficulties, changes can be made.
There always comes a time when everything that could be said, has been said, for the time being
We passed the Procedure Bylaw last night after several lengthy discussions.The rules are part of the Bylaw.
Last evening we spent more time discussing whether the Bylaw should be deferred than any other item on the agenda.
Rules of order don't relate to anyone or anything else in the community except councillors.
They are about preserving civility; ensuring every councillor has equal opportunity for input, without interruption or prohibition because of time. .
They are about respect for the office we hold. The need to deal with town business in efficient and timely manner
They do not exist for their sake alone.
No more than the chairs we use; the desk; or microphones that permit voices to be heard.
We perform in public. Hopefully, the community attends, With cable television, the opportunity presents.
How we do it. should not distract from decisions being made.
At the same time, debate should not be so calm, smooth and efficient as to be tedious, boring, stuffy, bombastic and compleat with the importance of being earnest.
It is our role to make decisions. Nine people participate There are obvious risks..
Unanimous agreement is not essential. It's not even generally desirable.
A majority is not necessarily the right decision. It doesn't have to be. .
Democracy is the right to be wrong.
If consequences are to be suffered and the Good Lord Knows we have had consequences, it's best the majority is responsible. .
So, last night we passed the new rules. .
Not for the purpose of catching each other in error, poking each other with a pointy stick,harassing or embarrassing each other .
The purpose is to work together under a set of rules that serve.
Several clauses I think will interfere with that objective.
But they are not chiselled in stone. The book is not closed. If we experience difficulties, changes can be made.
There always comes a time when everything that could be said, has been said, for the time being
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
The Field Facility Is A No Go
The treatment facility for a per cent of !% percent of the snow that falls on Aurora's roads this winter will not be treated by a facility that was to cost $800.000.
$163,000 already spent on a design last year is a write off.
The item was once again the subject of vigorous discussion at a budget meeting last night.
It was not approved.
At one point a voice was raised and a hand hit the table... forcefully
I do not apologise. I really get upset when I see taxes in millions piled on people's backs for no good reason I can fathom.
I know some people who don't see taxes as a hardship. Not surprisingly, many of them are on the public payroll.
Some of them,the 1% earning the mostmoney in Canada.
I heard that on television.
I myself don't see taxes as a hardship so long as the community receives a full return.
Last night we talked about spending $14,3 million on an architect designed,combined works and parks building on a different site estimated at $5 million.
The architect made a presentation. It was revealing
Current space is poorly organised. Space is wasted. Washrooms, showers and change rooms are inadequate.
Storage for road salt required based on per capita populations is inadequate.
Vehicle bays are used for storage. A board room is used as a lunch room.
Contractors store equipment on town property . Probably use the facilities as well.
Stored materials are not properly separated and get mixed up as a result.
We saw pictures.
There's a safety issue. Site lines are not clear for trucks coming and going. Poorly planned access is the problem
The works building is old. It's falling apart. No details were provided.
The site is not big enough for two operations but too big for one.
Heritage salvage is stored elsewhere.
Ifa site isnpurchased at the estimated $5 million elsewhere, operations can continue on the current site while the architect-designed building is being constructed.
We turned down an opportunity to buy an abutting site to add to the ours in the council term before last.
Thirty-five years ago, the current pre-fabricated building was purchased and assembled on the site.
The new plan was not rubber-stamped last night.
Council Gallo expressed the thought that council should have an opportunity to discuss how departments operate and consider efficiencies.
I thought that was a very polite way of saying... WTF
According to the report, there is ample room for such a discussion. I am always intrigued when informed of wasted space,disorganisation and other inefficiences and the only solution is to spend $14.3million dollars on a new building o a site
Part of the advantage of contracting work out is that it saves space, employees and equipment.
Last night's debate produced a spark from the other side of the table. Opposing the idea of council learning how department's operate came the argument
" If you want to run the town departments"
I'm not sure if it came from Councillor Thompson, I don't think so. Or Councillor Pirri. I know it wasn't Councillor Humphreys or Gaertner.
It was a reckless remark. It won't be forgotten.
Nor should it.
Politics is the only place one can engage in all-out battle without worrying too much about whose feelings are being hurt.
We are not fighting for ourselves but for the people who sent us.
I know little about Councillor Gallo except occasionally seeing photos of his two beautiful children.
I believe he manages a property maintenance company.
I don't know if the company manages company- owned properties.
I do know the property maintenance business is brutally competitive.
A company can fail instantly by the loss of a contract.
Efficiency in such a business is key to survivaI
It's not the same in public business.There's always the taxpayers pocket.
I think council took a few steps forward last night.
Towards more full and lively exchange in future debates.
Much like the Aurora tradition.
$163,000 already spent on a design last year is a write off.
The item was once again the subject of vigorous discussion at a budget meeting last night.
It was not approved.
At one point a voice was raised and a hand hit the table... forcefully
I do not apologise. I really get upset when I see taxes in millions piled on people's backs for no good reason I can fathom.
I know some people who don't see taxes as a hardship. Not surprisingly, many of them are on the public payroll.
Some of them,the 1% earning the mostmoney in Canada.
I heard that on television.
I myself don't see taxes as a hardship so long as the community receives a full return.
Last night we talked about spending $14,3 million on an architect designed,combined works and parks building on a different site estimated at $5 million.
The architect made a presentation. It was revealing
Current space is poorly organised. Space is wasted. Washrooms, showers and change rooms are inadequate.
Storage for road salt required based on per capita populations is inadequate.
Vehicle bays are used for storage. A board room is used as a lunch room.
Contractors store equipment on town property . Probably use the facilities as well.
Stored materials are not properly separated and get mixed up as a result.
We saw pictures.
There's a safety issue. Site lines are not clear for trucks coming and going. Poorly planned access is the problem
The works building is old. It's falling apart. No details were provided.
The site is not big enough for two operations but too big for one.
Heritage salvage is stored elsewhere.
Ifa site isnpurchased at the estimated $5 million elsewhere, operations can continue on the current site while the architect-designed building is being constructed.
We turned down an opportunity to buy an abutting site to add to the ours in the council term before last.
Thirty-five years ago, the current pre-fabricated building was purchased and assembled on the site.
The new plan was not rubber-stamped last night.
Council Gallo expressed the thought that council should have an opportunity to discuss how departments operate and consider efficiencies.
I thought that was a very polite way of saying... WTF
According to the report, there is ample room for such a discussion. I am always intrigued when informed of wasted space,disorganisation and other inefficiences and the only solution is to spend $14.3million dollars on a new building o a site
Part of the advantage of contracting work out is that it saves space, employees and equipment.
Last night's debate produced a spark from the other side of the table. Opposing the idea of council learning how department's operate came the argument
" If you want to run the town departments"
I'm not sure if it came from Councillor Thompson, I don't think so. Or Councillor Pirri. I know it wasn't Councillor Humphreys or Gaertner.
It was a reckless remark. It won't be forgotten.
Nor should it.
Politics is the only place one can engage in all-out battle without worrying too much about whose feelings are being hurt.
We are not fighting for ourselves but for the people who sent us.
I know little about Councillor Gallo except occasionally seeing photos of his two beautiful children.
I believe he manages a property maintenance company.
I don't know if the company manages company- owned properties.
I do know the property maintenance business is brutally competitive.
A company can fail instantly by the loss of a contract.
Efficiency in such a business is key to survivaI
It's not the same in public business.There's always the taxpayers pocket.
I think council took a few steps forward last night.
Towards more full and lively exchange in future debates.
Much like the Aurora tradition.
A Simple Question
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Who Says So?":
A Yes or No Question to end your long day. Chris
Watts seems to know how many people check in daily
who just use him for information or amusement, Can
you figure out what percentage actually provide you
with any feedback ?
****
NO!
A Yes or No Question to end your long day. Chris
Watts seems to know how many people check in daily
who just use him for information or amusement, Can
you figure out what percentage actually provide you
with any feedback ?
****
NO!
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Who Says So?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Small Is Good":
Deleting comments after you've decided to publish them sure doesn't look good.
***************
Two critical comments of blog are posted. And the last shall be first.
I published comments yesterday that I deleted this morning. I want people to be free to comment. Sometimes I have misgivings. Strong enough at times not to publish.
I can be in full agreement with a comment but fairness dictates. It's a low blow when a person can't defend him/herself.
Those I published yesterday and deleted this morning were expressive but highly personal.They were warranted in the circumstance.
I compromised. I gave them exposure but not lasting or permanent.
My battles are not with people. They are with ideas. Sometimes it's hard to separate the two.
I rail against policies and procedures that do not serve the interest of the community.
That swallow millions of dollars of public resources with no benefit gained and hardship created.
We elect people who are comfortable and successful, because they are comfortable and successful.
Then we expect them to empathise with those who are not. I think we should be able to expect that.
Last council term saw millions of dollars of profligate spending. Everything done was for political gain. Not an ounce of logic justified it from any perspective.
We elected a new council to turn this ship around. I believe that was and still is their intention
It should mean budget cuts. Spending needs to be brought back in line with reality.
Wildly extravagant projects started without rhyme or reason need to be reversed.Good money should not be thrown after bad.
Instead we contemplate again with equanimity,budget increases in double digits.
I don't believe that was the intention of the last election or of the current council.
But last year's budget was a disappointment.
It makes this one harder to tackle.
Still, there are hopeful signs.
We don't need an Occupy movement and tents in the town hall courtyard yet.
*************************
Critical comment 1.
The person who thinks I should be writing worthwhile stuff like recipes is into the wrong space.
The Blog is what it is. It 's about the town's business.
Deleting comments after you've decided to publish them sure doesn't look good.
***************
Two critical comments of blog are posted. And the last shall be first.
I published comments yesterday that I deleted this morning. I want people to be free to comment. Sometimes I have misgivings. Strong enough at times not to publish.
I can be in full agreement with a comment but fairness dictates. It's a low blow when a person can't defend him/herself.
Those I published yesterday and deleted this morning were expressive but highly personal.They were warranted in the circumstance.
I compromised. I gave them exposure but not lasting or permanent.
My battles are not with people. They are with ideas. Sometimes it's hard to separate the two.
I rail against policies and procedures that do not serve the interest of the community.
That swallow millions of dollars of public resources with no benefit gained and hardship created.
We elect people who are comfortable and successful, because they are comfortable and successful.
Then we expect them to empathise with those who are not. I think we should be able to expect that.
Last council term saw millions of dollars of profligate spending. Everything done was for political gain. Not an ounce of logic justified it from any perspective.
We elected a new council to turn this ship around. I believe that was and still is their intention
It should mean budget cuts. Spending needs to be brought back in line with reality.
Wildly extravagant projects started without rhyme or reason need to be reversed.Good money should not be thrown after bad.
Instead we contemplate again with equanimity,budget increases in double digits.
I don't believe that was the intention of the last election or of the current council.
But last year's budget was a disappointment.
It makes this one harder to tackle.
Still, there are hopeful signs.
We don't need an Occupy movement and tents in the town hall courtyard yet.
*************************
Critical comment 1.
The person who thinks I should be writing worthwhile stuff like recipes is into the wrong space.
The Blog is what it is. It 's about the town's business.
Thank Goodness For Google
The last post is obviously a copy of a news article. I had started to add bits and pieces of information to the one previous post. Then I realised the whole article is relevant to our current situation.
Toronto is providing a twenty-four hour operator service. High absenteeism is a problem and uneven performance.
Membership in the public service union means absenteeism affects service but not the bottom line.
If it's like Aurora, employment starts with three weeks vacation.
So for every seventeen operators, one extra is needed to cover for vacations
It's a 24/7 service. We just hired eighteen fire fighters to fill three shifts
How complaints can there be about pot-holes and garbage collection in the wee hours of the morning? Who would the calls be directed to in the nine to four operation?
How did Toronto Council allow themselves to be persuaded this boondoggle would be a good thing?
Maybe the former Mayor's executive committee got it through without the rest of council understanding what a crock it was.
If Mayor Ford decides to remove that baggage off the gravy train, what will accusations will be hurled at him?
It would be acknowledgement of eighty milllion dollars down the drain.
It is currently described as a problem that needs fixing"
How much more would it cost to get rid of it?
Toronto has full-time aldermen. They each have an office and $75,000 office budgets. I think there are forty-five of them .They control their own budgets. Spend as they will.
Remember the provincial E-Health scam that swallowed millions and produced nada.
There was a director there earning hundreds of thousands a year, who expensed a coffee and a muffin at an airport restaurant.and contracted out work to consultants.
George Smitherman was Minister in Charge.Then candidate for Mayor. of Toronto.The scandal was remembered. He didn't win.
No-one will be sitting in an office at city hall ,worried about losing his/her job over the useless and extravagant call service. Too many were complicit in approving the plan, up to and including the elected body, the former and current Mayor.Not the same.
Rob Ford with all his rough edges, ran a campaign in opposition to "the gravy train"
Will this mean city departments go back to looking after their own complaints and elected members doing whet they are paid to do?
Will it mean smaller municipalities, tempted to jump on that fast-moving train because neighbours are doing it, might pause and take a second look at where that train is heading?
In these days of social media, issues tend to linger near the forefront.
They do not fade into the background as once they did. when private news media were in charge of all information.
We can only hope it makes a difference.
Toronto is providing a twenty-four hour operator service. High absenteeism is a problem and uneven performance.
Membership in the public service union means absenteeism affects service but not the bottom line.
If it's like Aurora, employment starts with three weeks vacation.
So for every seventeen operators, one extra is needed to cover for vacations
It's a 24/7 service. We just hired eighteen fire fighters to fill three shifts
How complaints can there be about pot-holes and garbage collection in the wee hours of the morning? Who would the calls be directed to in the nine to four operation?
How did Toronto Council allow themselves to be persuaded this boondoggle would be a good thing?
Maybe the former Mayor's executive committee got it through without the rest of council understanding what a crock it was.
If Mayor Ford decides to remove that baggage off the gravy train, what will accusations will be hurled at him?
It would be acknowledgement of eighty milllion dollars down the drain.
It is currently described as a problem that needs fixing"
How much more would it cost to get rid of it?
Toronto has full-time aldermen. They each have an office and $75,000 office budgets. I think there are forty-five of them .They control their own budgets. Spend as they will.
Remember the provincial E-Health scam that swallowed millions and produced nada.
There was a director there earning hundreds of thousands a year, who expensed a coffee and a muffin at an airport restaurant.and contracted out work to consultants.
George Smitherman was Minister in Charge.Then candidate for Mayor. of Toronto.The scandal was remembered. He didn't win.
No-one will be sitting in an office at city hall ,worried about losing his/her job over the useless and extravagant call service. Too many were complicit in approving the plan, up to and including the elected body, the former and current Mayor.Not the same.
Rob Ford with all his rough edges, ran a campaign in opposition to "the gravy train"
Will this mean city departments go back to looking after their own complaints and elected members doing whet they are paid to do?
Will it mean smaller municipalities, tempted to jump on that fast-moving train because neighbours are doing it, might pause and take a second look at where that train is heading?
In these days of social media, issues tend to linger near the forefront.
They do not fade into the background as once they did. when private news media were in charge of all information.
We can only hope it makes a difference.
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